When Jinx #69 appeared, Stewart James' Sefalaljia spirit cabinet routine became an outstanding hit. I have taken one part of that effect and made it into a trick which can be done by night club performers who entertain at tables, a trick which is impromptu requiring no underhanded fixing of the materials used, and one which is far different from any heretofore shown in that field. The only requisites are a needle and thread, a two foot length of soft half inch ribbon, and a ring borrowed on the spot. The performer shows the ribbon and drapes it over his…
Editor's note: Effects of Karl Germain seldom see print. A master of magic, a great showman of several decades ago, this gentleman believes, as do we to a certain extent, that there should be no magical organizations or publications. A trick is given only to an intimate friend - or learned through apprenticeship. We are very lucky to be able to present this authentic presentation of an effect a la Germain. "Do you believe in spirits? I am not prepared to do a trick for you, but I am conversant with a method wherein we might be able to call…
The following effect consists of two distinct parts, each of the two being practical for use in conjunction with some different trick. The "force" of a playing card is a typical Tom Seller's idea and quite certain of always working. The handling of blank cards for an appearing message or name is a Val Evans idea adapted from an ancient card manoeuvre, and, strange as it may seem, is more effective with cards blank on both sides than with blank playing cards. For some reason the watchers are convinced that all surfaces are shown blank, while with playing cards they…
This effect may be termed a "double-header" for both a rope restoration and slate writing mystery are accomplished in combination. The only requisites are two slates with loose silicate flap, two lengths of soft rope, scissors and chalk. In order to facilitate the learning of the subtleties employed, it would be well for the reader to follow the instructions with the articles mentioned at hand. The performer talks of his discovery of a long hidden secret for restoring to their original condition all broken articles. He offers to illustrate with a rope. It is looped between the hands and a…
(Editor's note : If anyone yells "rehash" I am going to be awfully mortified. This titled effect appeared in one of my books about 7 years ago and now out of print. Always a pet I've tried to find who might be using it. Only 4 such magi have been discovered. The others didn't remember it, or admitted not reading it carefully enough to appreciate the good points. After all of these years, NORMAN ASHWORTH has supplied a colored chalk subtlety of high value. Combined with the lettering subterfuge, adapted by AL BAKER from a little known medium's dodge, and…
(Editor's note: I honestly believe that this one man miniature spirit cabinet routine is far beyond, in merit and effectiveness, anything yet conceived. Certainly the manifestations are out of the ordinary and Mr. James has managed to use several magical principles in a way not originally intended. The absence of complicated preparation in the cabinet will be found quite refreshing. The routine herein should be put into immediate use by many magi.) It is the firm belief of many people that the walls of a room retain the impressions of violent or unusual incidents that have taken place within. People…
320, S. Bristol Drive Brentwood Heights W. Los Angeles, Calif. Dear Ted; I never thought I'd join a magical society in the guise of a bonafide magician, and I certainly never had any idea of getting a free subscription to a trick monthly by turning in some of my "master mysteries". Now I haven't even a wand, which, I have always been led to believe, is the most important gadget in a trickster's bag. I don't own any books on magic, and maybe it's just as well because those I've seen look pretty technical and confusing to the tyro. My…
For those who like this type of experiment, the test can be a prize example of audience befuddlement. There are performers who will take hold of an experiment of this sort and build it into almost a feature number on their program. Certainly it will not be denied that the method of accomplishing what seems to be quite an impossibility, even for ultra clever mathematically inclined people, is extremely simple enough to allow of the stunt being practically impromptu. The performer shows about 20 blank pieces of cardboard. Or he may use his own business cards for the purpose, as…
Every once in a while a principle makes its appearance and allows of being used in many varied ways. Over a year ago Dr Daley, in Jinx pages, introduced a method of using four pieces of plain silicate (four flaps) to obtain a spirit message. The following effect combines that with another idea which has found favor, and thus a magician's dream easily becomes a reality. In an impromptu manner and at any time or place, you can produce a phantom answer THAT IS A DIRECT REPLY to any question written by the spectator! Carry with you merely four silicate…
Dabblers of things of a spiritualistic nature should be interested in the following effect which has been put together for the small gathering and intimate type of performer. It can be carried in one pocket and, performed practically impromptu, runs about seven minutes with great impression. The performer asks the spectator to write the initials of a dead man on one of seven small white cards, explaining that from this point on the card will represent the deceased person and that his burial will be re-enacted. On the six remaining pasteboards, the spectator is told to write the initials of…